Yara has an ambitious strategic agenda to be the crop nutrition company for the future and is taking lead in the development towards a sustainable agriculture. We have a worldwide presence with sales to ~150 countries and around 17 000 employees. The Global Innovation unit will support the transformation towards a nature positive food future and contribute to solving challenges the agricultural industry is facing.
Crop nutrition products are a backbone of Yara’s offerings. The R&D area has the mandate to drive and execute the product development and innovation of Yara’s crop nutrition products with focus on the high value portfolio.
We are looking for a passionate and entrepreneur scientist to drive the product support and development of Yara’s offering for organic-based fertilizers (OBFs). The position is a key valuable member of the Crop Nutrition Products R&D organization and reports to the Premium Products and Organics R&D Lead.
The position is based at the Research Centre Hanninghof in Dülmen, NRW, Germany.
Responsibilities
What you will be doing
Develop and transfer knowledge on the agronomic performance, environmental impact (e.g. gas emissions) and effects on soil health of organic (OF), organo-mineral fertilizers (OMF) and soil improvers.
Plan, coordinate and execute the research program on agronomic efficiency, environmental impact and effects on soil health of selected products and/or materials.
Develop and implement research and analytical methods to screen and evaluate behaviour of prototype products in soil and plant systems (under controlled and/or field conditions).
Support the commercial organizations on product value proposition development and positioning as well as on further product differentiation and improvement.
Support circular economy organizations on scouting and evaluation of raw materials and product development initiatives leading to new and/or improved OBFs product portfolio and new business development initiatives.
Work closely with the global crop and sustainability R&D teams as well as with regional organizations on recommendation development and product positioning aligned with local strategy).
Evaluate and support product portfolio development and certification for organic farming and regenerative agriculture.
Presentation of research results and represent the company in scientific and technical regional and international events.
Support the crop nutrition products R&D team on other tasks and projects as required.
Profile
What you will bring
Higher education in Agriculture i.e. M.Sc. degree, (Ph.D. preferably) with major on Crop Production, Organic Agriculture, Plant nutrition science or related field.
At least 3-years working experience (research and/or technical) with OBFs in crop production. Good understanding of regenerative agriculture approaches is of advantage.
Proven experience (min. 5 years) in agronomic research (e.g. lab, greenhouse and/or field) evaluating nutrient release, plant availability as well as impact of soil chemical, physical and biological parameters related to organic-based materials.
Knowledge of chemical, biological and physical analytical methods of organic-based products for their use in crop production. Knowledge on manufacturing technologies of OBFs is of advantage.
Knowledge of the circular economy legislative framework and fertilizer EU regulation. Experience with overseas organic products and regulatory development is a plus.
Ability to work within and international, multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
Fluent in both written and spoken English. Knowledge of other languages an asset.
